Close Combat 5 Winter War after action reports

[Dowly]

You did not want war; you loved peace, work and progress;
but you were forced into a struggle in which you have achieved
great deeds, deeds that will shine for centuries in the annals of history.

- Mannerheim

Starting soon.

[TteFAboB]

CC5 is the best CC game, after CC2. Vanilla aside, I guess CC5 wins hands-dowly, I mean, down.

[Dowly]

November 30, 1939. Day 1 of the Winter War.

Karelian Isthmus: the Soviet artillery opens fire at 6.50.

Soviet troops cross the border at several places without declaring war.Crossing points include Rajajoki, Joutselkä and Lipola.

Karelian Isthmus: the invading Soviet 7th Army has 120,000 men on the Isthmus with some 900 field guns and trench mortars and 1,400 tanks.The Finnish covering force on the Isthmus has 21,600 men, 71 field guns and 29 anti-tank guns.




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The first strike came in the sector of Lipola, covered by the Lipola Group consisting mainly of elite border guard units. Backed by mortars, AT-infantry and Maxim machineguns.

Soviet forces, the 90th rifle division, attacked with numerous infantry units, backed with heavy artillery and armored units.

The defensive line



The hill gave us a good view down to the other side of the river, where Soviets were preparing for the attack. The reconnaisance reports seemed to be wrong fortunately, the enemy had only one light tank. Still, the sheer number of infantry thrown against us got me worried. Our troops have very little ammunitions.

Mortar softening the advancing Soviet infantry. With little to no effect.



As I suspected, the Soviets used the tank to spearhead the attack. Great choice with something that can be destroyed by pretty much anything. The first shot by the AT rifle damaged the tank and soon after it was abandoned and the crew captured.



Soviet 122mm artillery pounding the line.



The infantry was concentrated to the center of the line, only a handfull tried to hit our flanks in north. The smoke screen did little to help the Soviets.

The attack starts.



Without any cover between the forest and our lines, the Soviet infantry was exposed and eliminated rather quickly with the crossfire of the MG positions on top of the hill.





Last minutes of the attack. See the black crosses above the units wich indicates that the unit is out of ammo.



After losing most of their men, the Soviet attack was stopped and the remnants pulled back from the sector.

Casualties.

[Dowly]

During the initial attack, the Soviets also pushed to Mainila. The 13th light tank brigade was faced by the Muolaa group, consisting of Border guards and AT-infantry.

The area in the Mainila sector is full of forests and hills, an ideal setup to ambush the enemy tanks and possible infantry.

I scatter my troops to cover all the victory locations, the Soviets have to fight for every inch.



The attack started shiftly, three light tanks rushed from the forest towards the southern most VL.




I though my infantry was better camouflaged in the forest, but I was wrong. The first tank was quickly eliminated with Molotov's cocktails and satchel charges, but the second tank held it's ground, despite of the damage it sustained. Now, my troops in the southern forest were down to two men, without any means to eliminate the tank. I arranged a risky relief attempt from the nearby forest, where I had two border guard squads. I need the other one to stay in the forest incase of a breakthrough, so the task was given to the squad of Sergeant Lyytikäinen.

Squad of Border guards moving in.


In the cover of the smoke screen by our mortar, the squad moved in. It was fired upon with small arms from the forest the three tanks rolled out. The squad had to casualties until they reached the forest, from where the remaining tank opened up it's MG killing Sgt. Lyytikäinen instantly and wounding another man. The tank was attacked using Molotov's cocktails, but with no effect. Everyone was killed and the attempt to relief the troops was failed.

Sgt. Lyytikäinen's squad has just entered the woods in an attempt to destroy the damaged Soviet tank and relief the badly beaten troops defending the area. The decision to abandon the position was made shortly after the relief attempt had failed. As seen from the picture, Soviet infantry is already moving in to assist the tank.




Meanwhile, the situation elsewhere in the sector remain somewhat passive. Only a small contact with the enemy was made in the central forest, where a Soviet recon unit was eliminated and shortly after an Armored Car was damaged and abandoned by the crew.



The Soviets held from attacking further after our retreat from the southern forest. Situation remains desperate.

[HunterICX]

Good Report!

keep it up, hold the russian invasion back!

HunterICX

[Dowly]

I think I can hold them back a day or two, but soon they'll get medium tanks and I'll be screwed then. I have no artillery support nor air support, so all I have to counter the tanks are Molotov cocktails and satchel charges. The terrains is mostly very mountainous, so even if I get some AT guns, they can cover only very small parts of the battlefield.

[Dowly]

The 70th Rifle Division mounted an attack in Rajajoki sector. The Uusikirkko Group was dug in, waiting for the red masses. Again, the defense of the sector fell to the hands of the elite border guard units, supported by 81mm mortar and machineguns.

In this map, I have very good cover. Lots of buildings to use. The plan is to hold as much ground as possible, I'm quite sure there will be heavy attacks to the bridge and to the crossroads in south. Also, some skirmishing might happen in the woods north of the bridge.

Defensive positions.



The battle started slowly, nothing happened withing the first few minutes. Then an enemy scouting party was spotted in the woods just north of the crossroads. Heavy machinegun fire drove them away with heavy casualties.



Shortly after the scouting party disappeared deeper into the woods a hellish artillery barrage shook the ground at crossroads, inflicting light casualties.

Finnish machinegun team under artillery fire



In the north, the Soviets attacked the bridge with full force. The first enemy contact was made just 15 meters from the bridge. The Soviet forces eventually got to the bridge and dug in, leaving the Finnish troops defending the crossroads separated from the mainforce.

Bridge over Rajajoki under attack.



The situation blew when the Soviet forces sneaked up on the defenders at the crossroads, caughting them off guard and eliminating most of the Finns. Only a command team of three men was left in the house just otherside of the road.




The battle of the bridge had turned to the favor of the Finns in the north. A 5 man recon team armed with Suomi SMGs had gotten to the Soviet's flank, while the units still on the Soviet side of the bridge circled the dug in enemy and started a massive grenade bombardment down to the frozen river where the Red Army soldiers were. Immediatly after the grenade barrage, the recon team launched a counterattack and captured the bridge back.

Moments after the counterattack began. The assaulting troops are in the cover of the smoke screen.



Now that the threat in north was eliminated, I had the opportunity to lend some men to counterattack the crossroads, where the command group was still pinned down.

The command team pinned the remnants of the Soviet attackers, while an Border Guard team attack from west under the cover of smoke. The counterattack was succesfull and the crossroads was taken back, which made the Soviet troops to retreat from the sector.

Border Guards attacking the remnants of the Red Army inside the northernmost house.



Casualties at Rajajoki.



The morning hours are now over. Of the three sectors I was attacked in, two are now clear of enemies. Time to rest and prepare for the new wave of Soviets.

[Dowly]

The only battle during the afternoon of November 30th was at Mainila, where the Soviet tanks tried to push the attack they had started at morning.

Soviet tanks burning on the side of a heavily defended hill in Mainila sector.


The attack was grimm for the Soviets, four tanks destroyed and three damaged. But the defenders didnt have smiles on their faces either after the battle. The finns lost 10 men of whom 4 were officers with 12 soldiers heavily wounded and taken out of the line.

After the first day of the war, the total casualties are:

FINNS

KIA (officers included): 27
WIA (officers included): 22

RED ARMY
KIA (officers included): 80
WIA (officers included): 75

Destroyed/damaged tanks: 12
Destroyed/damaged guns: 1

The Finnish troops were able to counter the Red Army attacks in Rajajoki and Lippola. The threat in Mainila remains, with Red Army gaining some ground.

The battle continues on 4th of December.


NEWS FROM THE FRONT

1st of December, Day 2 of the war

7.30: Soviet aircraft strike at villages on Suursaari.The Russians bomb Helsinki, Lahti, Kirkkonummi, Loviisa, Kotka, Hamina, Kouvola, Antrea, Hiitola, Jääski, Immola, Tainionkoski and targets in and around Viipuri.

Supported by two destroyers, the Soviet cruiser Kirov attacks Russarö Fortress.There is an exchange of artillery fire in the late morning.Both Kirov and one of the destroyers are damaged.

The Finnish covering forces on the Isthmus withdraw to their first delaying position.Finland records its first successes in the air war: Finnish fighters shoot down 13 Soviet aircraft, two over Helsinki.

The crew of a Soviet aircraft shot down near Uusikirkko take refuge in barn.A Finnish patrol sets out to capture them.

Akseli Gallen-Kallela's son, Lieutenant Jorma Gallen-Kallela falls saving the life of Captain Adolf Ehrnrooth.

2nd of December, Day 3 of the war

The Social Democratic Party and the Central Organization of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK) release a joint communiqué declaring that Finnish workers will take up arms to defend their country against attack.

Petsamo: a Soviet regiment attacks the mine area.

A counterattack by the Finnish Pennanen Detachment pushes the Russians back. Finnish losses: 13 dead, 38 wounded.

Karelian Isthmus: confusion caused by rumours that the enemy has got behind the Finnish troops.

The enemy reaches the Vammelsuu-Kivennapa-Rautu-Taipale line on the Isthmus.

Ladoga Karelia: IV Army Corps, fighting under Major-General Heiskanen, issues the order for an offensive to retake the area around Suvilahti. The offensive runs out of steam by nightfall.

In the evening some of the covering force are ordered to withdraw to the main defensive position.

The Ministry of Education urges all schools throughout the country to stop work, as the classrooms are needed to house refugees.

The Swedish Government decides that Sweden will not help defend Åland.Sweden will also not give any other direct support to Finland.


3rd of December, Day 4 of the war

Soviet naval detachments shell the outer islands and occupy Iso Tytärsaari island.

Petsamo: the Red Army attacks the mine area, but is beaten back. Finnish losses: 13 dead, 38 wounded.

General Headquarters moves from Helsinki to Mikkeli.

The covering force withdraws towards the main defensive position.

Karelian Isthmus: Rautu, Valkjärvi and Uusikirkko fall to the enemy.

Foreign Minister Tanner announces that the waters around Åland have been mined to protect the islands.

Church services are cancelled in the cities and other main centres of population because of the danger of air raids.

Large numbers of civilians leave Helsinki, Viipuri, Turku, Kotka and many other cities for the safety of the interior.

[Dowly]

4th of December, Day 5 of the war

Imatra: the Commander-in-Chief criticizes the senior command in the Isthmus for being too quick in withdrawing the covering force.

Soviet troops advance with tank support at Suulajärvi, Nurmijärvi and Valkjärvi.

Kiviniemi: the enemy attacks the bridgehead.

The Soviet 118th Regiment supported by battery fire and a tank battalion attempts to break through on the Saunajärvi-Alasjärvi isthmus, but is beaten back.

Some of the foreign diplomats in Helsinki are beginning to leave the country.

Finland's Ambassador in Washington, Hjalmar Procopé conveys to the United States Government Prime Minister Ryti's request for a 60 million dollar loan to Finland.

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LIPOLA SECTOR

Again the 90th Rifle Division tries a breakthrough in the sector. The battle-hardened Lipola Group is again greeting the Soviets from the hill top.



The attack starts as I suspected; The tank comes first, which loses it's tracks to my mortar fire and is thus eliminated as it cannot get a shot from the woods. Then comes the infantry with barrage of smoke grenades.



Like in the first day of the war, the 90th RD has to retreat after suffering heavy casualties from the machinegun fire.

[Dowly]

MAINILA SECTOR

The 13th Light Tank Brigade got reinforced and was again in full strenght with 8 tanks and some infantry.

Sector remained quiet apart of few scouting attacks by soviet tanks and infantry. No ground gained or lost.

Casualties:

Own losses, 2 KIA and 1 WIA

Soviet losses, 3 KIA, 5 WIA, 1 tank destroyed and 3 tanks damaged

I'm thinking of retreating from the sector in the following day as the Soviet tank brigade is getting reinforced all the time, the sector of Mainila is russian supply depot. And besides, the Muolaa group isnt the best bet against the tanks, few sectors to west I have a Jager division with much better AT capabilities.

[Dowly]

RAJAJOKI SECTOR

The Uusikirkko group was relieved by the Uusikirkko Cavalry Group early in the morning and they didnt have to wait for long to get into action. The 15th Rifle Division attacked the bridge hard in the ealy hours supported by 122mm artillery guns.

The attack was mounted from the woods north of the crossroads as well as across the Rajajoki and through the forest north of the bridge.

I had two tiers of defences, the outer and the inner. The outer defence consisted of three Cavalry infantry units positioned just infront of the bridge. These units suffered the hardest blow. With very little ammunition, they had no changes to hold off the Soviets and only one unit survived back across the bridge.

The Red Army captured the bridge for a brief moment before I flanked the enemy troops in the river bank and shortly after, lauched an counter-attack and captured the bridge back.

Also, the crossroads saw action as the 122mm artillery shelled the buildings.

The battle ended to a stalemate, both are still holding on.

Casualties:

Own losses
13 KIA
11 WIA
1 Gun destroyed

Soviet losses
21 KIA
31 WIA

[Dowly]

MAINILA SECTOR DECEMBER 4th, AFTERNOON

After a few hours of needed rest, the Finns heard the rumbling sound of Soviet tanks once again. This time it sounded like they were all on the move.

As the troops rushed to the trenches, enemy tanks were already visible in the distance, slowly creeping closer with infantry supporting them.

Scouting attack



The hill top was full of tank wrecks, which made it very risky for the enemy tanks to move in without infantry supporting them. This lone tank was impatient and went in before the infantry to it's certain death. The tank was destroyed with Molotov's cocktails without suffering any casualties.




The infantry moving in behind the tank caused few casualties in close combat, but was eventually eliminated.

Soon after the scouting attack, the Soviets threw everything they had against the wreck filled hill. Five tanks, supported by infantry slowly made their way through the woods. Extra grenades and Molotov's were hastily passed around to the defenders.

Main Attack force



But despite all odds, the defence held. Tank after tank blew up in a mighty fireball.

Russian tank exploding



Not caring about the casualties, the Red Army pushed upwards, only to find all their tanks turn into a flame hell one after another.

The battle is over.



Battle after battle it becomes harder for the Red Army to use their tanks to advance and capture the hill. In the next battle, they have to circle around the wrecks, which means they have only two ways to go and I have a perfect ambush points.

Mannerheim himself congratulated the commander of the Muolaa Group for this act of bravery and stubborness.

Casualties at Mainila, afternoon of December 4th

[Dowly]

(I just noticed that there's a veteran mod for Winter War, time to put it to a test)

RAJAJOKI SECTOR, DECEMBER 4th, AFTERNOON

The past attempts by the Red Army to capture the bridge has been unsuccesfull. Now they concenctrated only to the bridge and left the Crossroads alone.

The Soviet attack came directly from the front and from the north, via the frozen river. It seems Stalin's not happy with their progress as they hammered my bridge defences with their 122mm artillery heavily before attacking with everything they had, all at once.

Red Army attack proceeding towards the bridge over Rajajoki



With the help of the artillery, they quickly captured the bridge and dug in. Cutting the defenders on the Soviet side of the bridge from the mainforce.

Captured bridge



The Red Army dug in to defend the newly captured bridge and continued the attack over it with fresh units. The attack was halted by the strong resistance from the buildings overlooking the bridge.

Red Army advancing over the Rajajoki



As more Red Army soldiers started to pour into the frozen river, I had to abandon my positions on the Soviet side of the bridge. Now leaving the units defending the crossroads alone.

Retreat in process



No further attempts were made to cross the river by the Soviets. We are still holding our ground on the otherside of the bridge.

Casualties at Rajajoki on afternoon of December 4th



Situation and total casualties at the end of day 5 of the Winter War


The battles continue on 8th of December.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5th of December, day 6 of the war

Parliament assembles for the first time in Kauhajoki.

Karelian Isthmus: the covering force on the Isthmus launches its final counterattack at Perkjärvi, ending in a Finnish withdrawal behind the main defensive position.In places the withdrawal shows signs of panic.

Ladoga Karelia: Finnish troops disengage from Ägläjärvi.

Official sources say 80 enemy tanks have so far been destroyed or put out of action.

General Headquarters sets up a central office of censorship and a number of local offices to supervise war censorship.

The Finnish Broadcasting Company urges its listeners to be on their guard against Russian propaganda, and indicates it will use as many familiar announcers as possible in its own broadcasts.

Abroad: Chile, Bolivia, Peru and Paraguay have today protested over the Soviet Union's attack on Finland.

6th of December, day 7 of the war

Helsinki: Foreign Minister Väinö Tanner hosts an Independence Day reception for the diplomatic corps in the banqueting hall of the Kämp Hotel.

Kiviniemi: the last part of the covering force in front of the main defensive position on the Isthmus pulls back to the north of Vuoksi.The work of the covering force comes to an end.

Eastern Isthmus: fighting begins at Taipale. A Soviet division launches an attack across the River Taipaleenjoki.

By nightfall a Russian battalion has crossed River Taipaleenjoki at Koukkuniemi.

Ladoga Karelia: General Headquarters forms Group Talvela to cover the Tolvajärvi-Ägläjärvi sector.

Sweden: 80 leading public figures call on the country to help Finland.

7th of December, day 8 of the war

Taipale: by evening Finnish troops have beaten back the first Russian offensive.

Ladoga Karelia: during the night Soviet troops achieve combat contact with the Finnish positions on the River Kollaanjoki.

Ilomantsi: Finnish troops in the Ilomantsi sector fall back to Möhkö and overnight to Kallioniemi ferry. They begin a defensive action.

Northern Finland: Commander-in-Chief Mannerheim reinforces the troops around Suomussalmi with sections of the 9th Division commanded by Colonel Siilasvuo.

Soviet troops take the parish village at Suomussalmi.

Ladoga Karelia: Finnish troops at Kollaa beat back the first Soviet offensive.

Lieutenant-Colonel Pajari takes command of the Finnish forces in the Tolvajärvi area.Finnish troops launch active countermeasures.

Northern Finland: the Russian 122nd Division launches its main offensive against Finnish positions on the Kairala parallel.The defending Finnish battalion cannot hold. The detachment pulls back to the parish village at Salla.

The three largest American radio networks have sent their own correspondents to Helsinki.One is the journalist Warren Irving, who is sending a radio commentary from Helsinki to the USA.

[HunterICX]

I see you're getting hammered now
yet again, nice report keep it up

HunterICX

[Dowly]

Coming up once the battles continue: Rajajoki will fall, Lipola will fall as there's now a tank brigade rolling towards it aaand Mainila might hold, but I doubt it.